UX/UI Designer | Onsite

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer | Onsite Company: Photon Location: San Francisco, California, United States Job Type: Contractor Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development Date Posted: 2026-02-13T23:49:13 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on the exploration, conceptualization, and visualization of innovative user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) directions for early-stage product and creative development.
• The primary focus is on ideation, experimentation, and translating research insights into compelling experience concepts that will shape future products and features.
• A key aspect involves close collaboration with UX researchers, creative leads, product teams, and strategists to uncover new opportunities and bring creative visions to life through design, prototypes, and visual narratives.
• The position requires a strong ability to push creative boundaries while ensuring usability, accessibility, and an engaging user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the initial job title is "UX/UI Designer," the description heavily emphasizes "concept development," "ideation," "experimentation," and "early-stage product discovery." This suggests the role leans more towards a Concept UX/UI Designer or Innovation Designer rather than a pure production UI designer. The focus is on exploring possibilities rather than just refining existing interfaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Experience Conceptualization & Creative Discovery: Explore and visualize multiple UX and UI concepts during early-stage discovery and ideation phases, translating insights and creative direction into innovative experience concepts.
• Ideation & Creative Collaboration: Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, design sprints, and creative workshops, collaborating with UX researchers to leverage user insights and with creative leads to define experience direction.
• Prototyping & Visualization: Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate concepts, test assumptions, and refine creative directions, including creating concept demos and visual narratives.
• Experience Innovation: Research and explore emerging design trends, tools, and interaction patterns to identify opportunities for improving usability, engagement, and emotional connection in user experiences.
• Concept Validation Support: Support early-stage concept testing and feedback sessions, iterating on designs based on user feedback, research insights, and stakeholder input to strengthen clarity and impact.
• Presentation & Communication: Clearly present design concepts, rationale, and creative thinking to stakeholders, creating concept decks, design documentation, and visual storytelling materials to articulate the user value and experience vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on the discovery and ideation phase of product development. This is distinct from roles focused solely on execution or iteration of established designs. The role requires a strategic and conceptual approach to design problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field.
• Equivalent practical experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree, particularly for candidates with a strong portfolio and extensive relevant experience.

Experience:

• 3–7+ years of progressive experience in UI/UX design, product design, interaction design, or experience design.
• Demonstrated experience working within early-stage product discovery, innovation, or creative exploration teams.
• Proven track record of translating user insights and business requirements into compelling design concepts and user experiences.

Required Skills:

• UX and UI Concept Design: Ability to conceptualize and visualize innovative user experiences and interface directions.
• Creative Exploration and Ideation: Strong capacity for generating novel ideas and exploring diverse design solutions.
• Wireframing and Prototyping: Proficiency in creating low-fidelity wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.
• Interaction Design: Deep understanding of user interaction patterns, flows, and principles.
• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create visually appealing and effective user interfaces.
• Design Thinking and User-Centered Design: Application of human-centered methodologies to solve complex design problems.
• Creative Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and contribute to brainstorming and design sprints.
• Presentation and Communication: Excellent verbal and visual communication skills to articulate design rationale and concepts to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Design Tools: Expertise in industry-standard design and prototyping software such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), or similar.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in conceptualizing and designing for emerging interfaces or platforms beyond traditional web and mobile.
• Familiarity with design thinking frameworks and agile development methodologies.
• Experience collaborating closely with UX researchers and creative strategists to define product direction.
• Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG) and their application in design.
• Ability to create compelling visual storytelling materials and concept decks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (3-7+ years) combined with the emphasis on "early-stage discovery" and "concept development" suggests the company is looking for a designer who can operate somewhat independently in exploring new ideas, not just executing on defined requirements. The portfolio will be critical in demonstrating this conceptual capability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Concept Development Showcase: Include case studies that clearly demonstrate your process for exploring and developing innovative UX/UI concepts from initial ideation through to high-fidelity prototypes.
• Problem-Solving & Iteration: Showcase examples where you translated user insights or business challenges into design solutions, illustrating your iterative design process and how you refined concepts based on feedback.
• Prototyping & Visual Storytelling: Demonstrate your ability to create effective wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes, and present them compellingly through visual storytelling or concept decks.
• Tool Proficiency Evidence: Explicitly mention and ideally showcase work created using key design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Impact & Rationale: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your approach, the design rationale behind key decisions, and the intended or actual user/business impact.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly during interviews, detailing how they approach conceptualization, ideation, user research integration, prototyping, and presentation for new ideas.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader product development cycles, especially in early-stage discovery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on conceptualization, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond showcasing polished final UIs and instead highlight the journey of idea generation, exploration, and early validation. The ability to articulate this process verbally is equally important.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Minimum Compensation: USD 57,000 per year
• Maximum Compensation: USD 201,000 per year
• Note: Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's actual experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's specific requirements. This range represents a good-faith estimate.

Benefits (for full-time employees, as this position is available for independent contractors):

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan.
• Variable Pay/Incentives, performance-based bonuses.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid Holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week.
• As an "Onsite" role, the expectation is for the designer to be present at the San Francisco office.
• The nature of early-stage concept development may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or participate in intensive ideation sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is exceptionally wide, which is common for contract roles or roles with significant variability based on experience. The significant difference between the minimum and maximum suggests that exceptional candidates with highly relevant experience in innovation or advanced concept design could command the higher end. Given it's a contractor role, benefits listed are generally for full-time employees and may not apply directly, but it indicates the company's overall compensation philosophy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Software / Creative Services (Inferred from "Photon" likely being a tech/design agency or a product company with a strong design focus). Company Size: Small to Medium (Inferred from the Oracle Cloud ATS and the specific nature of the role, likely not a massive enterprise with broad UX roles. The "Photon" company name could imply a specialized agency or a distinct product division). Founded: (Not specified, but the role's focus on "early-stage product and creative development" suggests a company that either innovates frequently or operates within a fast-paced creative environment.)

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a dedicated UX/Product Design team, potentially within a larger product development or creative services department.
• This role involves close reporting and collaboration with Creative Leads, UX Researchers, Product Managers, and Strategists.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working with engineering, marketing, and other stakeholders to bring concepts to fruition.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a blend of Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design methodologies, with a strong emphasis on exploration and experimentation in early-stage development.
• Agile or iterative development processes are probable, requiring designers to adapt quickly and contribute to fast-paced sprints.
• Data-driven insights from UX research will be a key input for design decisions and concept validation.

Company Website: Photon.com (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's description points towards a company that values innovation and creative exploration. This could be a design consultancy, a product company with an R&D or innovation lab, or a startup focused on cutting-edge solutions. The "Onsite" requirement in San Francisco suggests a physical presence and a culture that may favor in-person collaboration for idea generation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This position represents a mid-level to senior individual contributor role within the UX/UI design discipline. It requires a strong foundation (3-7+ years) but also a proactive, conceptual approach that is often found in more experienced designers.
• The focus on "early-stage product discovery" and "concept visualization" suggests a role that contributes to strategic product direction rather than solely executing on defined requirements.

Reporting Structure:

• The designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Creative Director, Head of Design, or a Product Development Manager.
• Close collaboration with UX Researchers and Product Strategists is expected, indicating a matrixed or highly integrated reporting and working relationship.

Operations Impact:

• This role directly influences the future direction of products and features by conceptualizing innovative user experiences.
• The designer's work will shape user engagement, product usability, and the overall emotional connection users have with Photon's offerings.
• Successful concept development and visualization can lead to significant product innovation and market differentiation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in innovation design, emerging technologies, or specific product domains.
• Leadership: Opportunity to lead design efforts for new initiatives, mentor junior designers, or contribute to defining design strategy.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning in cutting-edge design tools, interaction patterns, and user research methodologies. Potential for involvement in advanced prototyping techniques or experimental interfaces.
• Career Progression: Advancement to Senior UX/UI Designer, Lead UX Designer, or potentially into product management roles with a strong design focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "concept development" and "early-stage discovery" positions this role as a potential stepping stone for designers looking to move into more strategic or leadership-oriented design positions, especially within innovation-focused environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Onsite in San Francisco, likely a modern office space conducive to collaboration and creative work. Office Location(s): San Francisco, California. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and design ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The San Francisco office environment is expected to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated areas for brainstorming and design sprints.
• Access to standard design tools and technology will be provided. The company likely supports current industry-standard software for design and prototyping.
• Opportunities for frequent interaction with a diverse team of designers, researchers, strategists, and product managers are anticipated.

Work Schedule:

• The role is listed as "Onsite," implying a requirement for physical presence at the San Francisco office.
• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, but the nature of creative concept development may necessitate occasional flexibility to accommodate project timelines and intensive ideation sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: An "Onsite" role in San Francisco for a UX/UI Designer implies a company that values in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and a strong team dynamic, which can be beneficial for roles focused on innovation and early-stage concepting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An interview where you will present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your conceptualization process, problem-solving approach, and the rationale behind your design decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you translated insights into innovative concepts.
• Skills-Based Interview: Questions will likely delve into your design thinking process, interaction design principles, visual design skills, and proficiency with design tools.
• Behavioral & Collaboration Interview: Assessment of your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, handle feedback, and contribute to a creative, fast-paced environment.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Highlight your journey from problem identification to concept ideation and validation. Show how you think, not just the final output.
• Showcase Innovation: Emphasize projects where you explored novel ideas, tackled ambiguous problems, or pushed creative boundaries.
• Quantify Impact (where possible): While early-stage concepts may not have hard metrics, discuss the intended impact or lessons learned from any concept testing.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives with a clear problem, your unique approach, key decisions, and outcomes.
• Tailor to the Role: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability in concept development, ideation, and early-stage exploration, aligning with Photon's focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design exercises or whiteboard challenges that test your problem-solving skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to articulate design ideas quickly under pressure.
• Prepare to discuss your favorite design tools and why, and how you stay updated on emerging design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on early-stage concept development, interviewers will be looking for creativity, strong conceptual thinking, and the ability to articulate a design process that leads to innovative solutions. The portfolio is the primary tool to demonstrate this.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Highly likely to be a primary tool for collaborative design, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.
• Sketch: Another strong contender for UI design and prototyping, especially if the team has existing workflows.
• Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Photoshop, Illustrator): XD for prototyping and UI design, Photoshop for image manipulation, and Illustrator for vector graphics and icons.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma/Sketch, potentially tools like InVision, ProtoPie, or Principle for more advanced interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding basic analytics principles and potentially how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel can be beneficial for understanding user behavior that informs design.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX/UI role, but familiarity with how design impacts user journeys within CRM systems or automated workflows can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and/or Sketch is almost certainly a hard requirement. The ability to create interactive prototypes is crucial for this role, as it's a core part of visualizing and testing concepts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A strong emphasis on generating new ideas and exploring novel solutions.
• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and designing for the user's needs and experiences.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication across disciplines.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design and execution.
• Adaptability: Embracing change and iterating quickly in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with frequent interaction and feedback loops between designers, researchers, strategists, and product managers.
• Emphasis on open dialogue, constructive criticism, and shared ownership of design outcomes.
• Likely a culture that encourages experimentation and learning from both successes and failures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely supports experimentation and creative risk-taking, given the role's focus on early-stage discovery. This means designers should be comfortable with ambiguity and the iterative nature of innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity: Working with undefined problems and exploring new territories requires comfort with ambiguity and the ability to define direction.
• Balancing Innovation and Feasibility: Conceptualizing groundbreaking ideas while ensuring they are technically feasible and align with business goals.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Communicating and gaining buy-in for novel or experimental concepts from diverse stakeholders.
• Rapid Iteration: Quickly translating ideas into tangible prototypes and designs for testing and feedback.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to New Technologies: Opportunity to explore and design for emerging interfaces and technologies.
• Strategic Design Input: Contribute to shaping product roadmaps and innovation pipelines.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced design leaders and strategists within the company.
• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in advanced prototyping, interaction design, and concept visualization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth by tackling complex, forward-looking design challenges and contributing directly to product innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you explored a completely new product idea. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?"
• "How do you approach translating abstract user insights into concrete design concepts?"
• "Imagine we want to design a new experience for [specific industry/problem]. What would be your first steps in exploring potential solutions?"
• "How do you balance pushing creative boundaries with the practical constraints of development and business objectives?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Photon's focus on early-stage product development and innovation?"
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative design process?"
• "Describe your ideal team environment for creative exploration."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your case studies to tell a compelling story about the problem, your unique approach, and the innovative solutions you developed.
• Process Visualization: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or annotated screens to illustrate your thought process and design iterations.
• Key Decisions: Clearly explain why you made certain design choices, linking them back to user needs, business goals, or creative exploration.
• Focus on Concepts: Emphasize your ability to ideate and conceptualize, not just polish final UIs. Show early-stage sketches, wireframes, and prototypes.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your projects within a given timeframe, highlighting the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate your design process and rationale with clarity and conviction. The interviewers will be assessing your creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to translate complex ideas into actionable design directions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating early-stage concept development, ideation, and innovative UX/UI exploration. Focus on your process and problem-solving.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in UX/UI design, product discovery, and conceptualization, using keywords like "ideation," "prototyping," "concept development," and mentioning proficiency in relevant tools.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your conceptual thinking and design rationale. Prepare to answer strategy and behavioral questions relevant to innovation and collaboration.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Photon's work (if publicly available) and the San Francisco tech/design landscape to understand their context and potential focus areas.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.